US9985938B2 - User control over WIFI network access - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless communication device controls access to a geographically-distributed Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network. The wireless communication device graphically presents WiFi network data to receive user selections of multiple WiFi access systems, a network name, and a user password. The wireless communication device receives configuration data that associates broadcast identification signals for the WiFi access systems with the network name. The wireless communication device detects a broadcast identification signal for one of the WiFi access systems and responsively presents the network name and a password prompt to receive the user password. The wireless communication device transfers the network name and the user password to the WiFi access system, and in response, the wireless communication device exchanges user data over the WiFi access system.

Description

RELATED CASES

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/552,749 that was filed on Jul. 19, 2012 and is entitled “USER CONTROL OVER WIFI NETWORK ACCESS.” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/552,749 is hereby incorporated by reference into this patent application.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) is a popular wireless protocol to obtain network access—often to the Internet. Typically, a WiFi access point broadcasts a Service Set Identification (SSID) that is detected by user devices. The user devices typically respond to the SSID with an access code that is pre-stored in the WiFi access point. The WiFi access point provides network access if the user-provided access code matches the pre-stored access code. The user typically manages multiple access codes for the various WiFi access points that they use. Unfortunately, these WiFi access points are not used to provide effective and efficient user control over WiFi network access.

Other wireless networks also include user authorization systems that control network access. For example, 3G networks may have an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) system, and 4G networks may have a Home Subscriber Server (HSS). These other wireless networks also provide network access to user devices. Unfortunately, the other wireless networks are not used to provide effective and efficient user control over WiFi network access.

In particular, WiFi access points and these other wireless networks are not effectively used in an integrated manner to provide efficient user control over WiFi network access.

Technical Overview

A wireless communication device controls access to a geographically-distributed Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network. The wireless communication device graphically presents WiFi network data to receive user selections of multiple WiFi access systems, a network name, and a user password. The wireless communication device receives configuration data that associates broadcast identification signals for the WiFi access systems with the network name. The wireless communication device detects a broadcast identification signal for one of the WiFi access systems and responsively presents the network name and a password prompt to receive the user password. The wireless communication device transfers the network name and the user password to the WiFi access system, and in response, the wireless communication device exchanges user data over the WiFi access system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system to provide user control over access to a WiFi network having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of a communication system to provide user control over access to a WiFi network having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems.

FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of a communication system to provide user control over access to a WiFi network having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems by allowing user-selection of communication devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of a communication system to provide user control over access to a WiFi network having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems by transferring configuration data to a user communication device.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of a communication system to provide user control over access to a WiFi network having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems by using dynamic access keys.

FIG. 6 illustrates a communication device display that renders a geographic map for a user to select WiFi network access systems and specify passwords.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to provide user control over access to a WiFi network having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems.

FIG. 8 illustrates an WiFi system to provide user control over access to a WiFi network having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems.

FIG. 9 illustrates a server system to provide user control over access to WiFi networks.

FIG. 10 illustrates wireless communication device to provide user control over access to WiFi networks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustratescommunication system100 to provide user control over access toWiFi network120 having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems121-124.Communication system100 comprises user communication devices101-103,access network110,WiFi network120, andserver system130.Server system130 comprisesuser interface server131 andauthorization server132.

User communication devices101-103 comprise phones, computers, media players, machine transceivers, or some other WiFi communication equipment. User communication devices101-102 andaccess network110 communicate over respective access links111-112. User communication devices101-103 and WiFi access systems121-123 communicate over respective WiFi links113-115.Access network110 andWiFi network120 communicate withserver system130 over respective network links116-117.

In operation,user interface server131 transfers display data touser communication device101 overaccess network110 andlinks111 and116 for presentation to a user. In response to the display data, the user selects WiFi access systems121-123 but not accesssystem124. The user also selects a single password for the user-selected WiFi access systems121-123. In some examples, the display data renders geographic maps that indicate WiFi access systems121-124 for selection. The display data may also include a data collection module to collect the password from the user.

User communication device101 transfers user data for delivery touser interface server131. The user data indicates the user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123, the user-selected password, and possibly other user selections and data.User interface server131 receives and transfers the user data touser authorization server132.

Authorization server132 stores an association between the user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123 and the user-selected password. Subsequently,user communication device101 moves nearWiFi access system121 and transfers an access request toWiFi access system121 using the user-selected password.WiFi access system121 transfers the access request for delivery toauthorization server132.

Authorization server132 receives the access request for access to user-selected WiFinetwork access system121 using the user-selected password. Based on the stored association between the user-selected WiFinetwork access system121 and the user-selected password,authorization server132 transfers a positive response for delivery to WiFinetwork access system121. WiFinetwork access system121 then provides WiFi access (typically to the Internet) towireless communication device101 overWiFi link113.

User wireless communication device102 could select and use multiple WiFi access systems with a single password in a similar manner. In some examples,wireless communication device101 is used to select the WiFi access systems and password, while communication device102 and/orcommunication device103 are used to access the selected WiFi access systems with the password. Also note that a user may have different passwords for different groups of access systems, devices, timeframes, and the like. If desired, the user may also use a given password for only one access system. Note that a password could be any sequence of letters, numbers, symbols, or other data.

In some examples, additional items are selected by the user responsive to the display data. These additional items may be indicated in the user data, stored in the association, and used in combination to transfer the positive response to the access request. For example, the user may specify a user name to use when accessing their selected WiFi network access systems. In other examples, the user specifies a communication device to use when accessing their selected WiFi network access systems. In yet other examples, the user specifies a timeframe for access to their selected WiFi network access systems.

In some examples,user interface server131 transfers configuration data for delivery touser communication device101 and/or user communication device102 overaccess network110. The configuration data associates broadcast identification signals for the user-selected WiFi network access systems with the user-selected password. User communication devices101-102 use the configuration data to obtain the password from the user and to transfer the access request when in range of one of the selected WiFi network access systems.

In some examples, the configuration data includes an access key that is correlated to the broadcast identification signals for the user-selected WiFi network access systems and with the user-selected password. The access key is stored inauthorization server132 in association with the user-selected WiFi network access systems.User communication device101 would provide the access key in their access request when in range of one of the selected WiFi network access systems and if the password is provided by the user.Authorization server132 could then return a positive response based on its own stored access key.

In some examples, the configuration data indicates a dynamically-changing network key, such as time-of-day, that is correlated to the broadcast identification signals for the user-selected WiFi network access systems and with the user-selected password. When in range of one of the selected WiFi network access systems and if the password is provided by the user,user communication device101 uses the dynamically-changing network key to generate a hash value for their access request. In response to the access request,authorization server132 could generate its own hash value based the dynamically-changing network key for comparison to the hash value from the access request. If the comparison indicates the relationship, thenauthorization server132 returns the positive response for WiFi access. For example, if the dynamically-changing network key is time-of-day, then both hash values should correlate if calculated within the same timeframe.

Access network110 comprises computer and communications equipment that use Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Evolution Data Only (EVDO), Bluetooth, DOCSYS, T1, Ethernet, Internet Protocol (IP), or some other communication protocols—including combinations thereof.Server system130 comprises computer equipment and software that may be implemented in a single platform or may be distributed across multiple platforms. Communication links111-112 and116-117 might be wireless, optical, metallic, or some other communication media—including combinations thereof. Communication links111-112 and116-117 may individually comprise multiple parallel connections that utilize different protocols and paths. Communication links111-112 and116-117 may also include various intermediate networks, systems, and devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation ofcommunication system100 to provide user control over access toWiFi network120.User interface server131 transfers display data touser communication device101 overaccess network110, anduser communication device101 graphically presents the resulting display data to the user. For example, user communication device might present the display data in the form of geographic maps that indicate WiFi access systems121-124 for selection. In response to the display data, the user selects WiFi access systems121-123. The user also specifies a password for user-selected WiFi access systems121-123.

User communication device101 transfers user data overaccess network110 touser interface server131. The user data indicates user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123, the user-selected password, and possibly other user selections and data.User interface server131 transfers the user data touser authorization server132.Authorization server132 stores an association between the user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123 and the user-selected password—and typically other pertinent data. Various techniques to store this association are described herein.

WiFi access system121 transmits a wireless identification signal for reception by in-range devices, such as an SSID signal, pilot signal, and the like. Subsequently,user communication device101 detects the identification signal fromWiFi access system121 and prompts the user for a password. The user provides their selected password touser communication device101, anddevice101 transfers an access request toWiFi access system121 using the user-selected password. Various techniques to use the password are described herein.WiFi access system121 transfers the access request toauthorization server132.

Authorization server132 processes the access request and the stored association between user-selected WiFinetwork access system121 and user-selected password to determine that the request should be granted.Authorization server132 then transfers a positive response to WiFinetwork access system121. Based on the positive response, WiFinetwork access system121 provideswireless communication device101 and the user with WiFi network access to some other data system, such as the Internet (not shown).

FIG. 3 illustrates the operation ofcommunication system100 to provide user control over access toWiFi network120 by allowing user-selection of communication devices.User interface server131 transfers display data touser communication device101 overaccess network110, anduser communication device101 graphically presents the resulting display data to the user. In response to the display data, the user selects WiFi access systems121-123 and a password. In this example, the user also selectscommunication device103 to access user-selected WiFi access systems121-123. The user may specifycommunication device103 by name, address, number, and the like.User interface server131 may also identifycommunication device103 in the display data for selection by the user.

User communication device101 transfers user data overaccess network110 touser interface server131. The user data indicates user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123, user-selectedcommunication device103, the user-selected password, and possibly other information.User interface server131 transfers the user data touser authorization server132.Authorization server132 stores an association between the user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123, user-selectedcommunication device103, the user-selected password, and other data. Various techniques to store this association are described herein.

WiFi access system123 transmits its wireless identification signal.User communication device103 detects the identification signal fromWiFi access system123 and prompts the user for a password. The user provides their selected password touser communication device103, anddevice103 transfers an access request toWiFi access system123 using the user-selected password. Various techniques to use the password are described herein.

WiFi access system123 transfers the access request toauthorization server132.Authorization server132 processes the access request and the stored association between user-selected WiFinetwork access system123, user-selectedcommunication device103, and the user-selected password to determine that the request should be granted.Authorization server132 then transfers a positive response to WiFinetwork access system123. Based on the positive response, WiFinetwork access system123 providesuser communication device103 with WiFi network access to another data system, such as the Internet (not shown). Note that other items could be also selected by the user and used for authorization, such as timeframes, security formats, and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates the operation ofcommunication system100 to provide user control over access toWiFi network120 by transferring configuration data touser communication device101.User interface server131 transfers display data touser communication device101 overaccess network110, anduser communication device101 graphically presents the resulting display data to the user. In response to the display data, the user selects WiFi access systems121-123 and a password.

User communication device101 transfers user data overaccess network110 touser interface server131. The user data indicates user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123, the user-selected password, and possibly other user selections and data.User interface server131 transfers the user data touser authorization server132.Authorization server132 stores an association between the user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123 and one or more access keys for systems121-123. The stored association may also indicate the user-selected password and other pertinent data.

Responsive to the user-selections,user interface server131 transfers configuration data overaccess network110 touser communication device101. The configuration data indicates identification signals (SSIDs and the like) for user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123. The configuration data also indicates the password, the access key, and perhaps other data. Note thatuser interface server131 may also transfer the configuration data to other user-selected communication devices.

User-selectedWiFi access system121 transmits its wireless identification signal, and eventually,user communication device101 detects this identification signal fromWiFi access system121. Based on the configuration data and the ID signal,user communication device101 prompts the user for a password. The user provides their selected password touser communication device101, anddevice101 transfers an access request toWiFi access system121 using the user-selected password. In this example,user communication device101 uses the password for verification, and if the user-supplied password matches the password from the configuration data, thendevice101 transfers the access key to user-selectedWiFi access system121.

WiFi access system121 transfers the access request including the access key toauthorization server132.Authorization server132 processes the access request and the stored association between user-selected WiFinetwork access system121 and user-supplied access key to determine that the request should be granted.Authorization server132 then transfers a positive response to WiFinetwork access system121. Based on the positive response, WiFinetwork access system121 providesuser communication device101 and the user with WiFi network access to some other data system, such as the Internet (not shown).

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation ofcommunication system100 to provide user control over access toWiFi network120 by using dynamic access keys.User interface server131 transfers display data touser communication device101 overaccess network110, anduser communication device101 graphically presents the resulting display data to the user. In response to the display data, the user selects WiFi access systems121-123, a password, and user communication device102.

User communication device101 transfers user data overaccess network110 touser interface server131. The user data indicates user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123, user communication device102, the user-selected password, and possibly other data.User interface server131 transfers the user data touser authorization server132.Authorization server132 stores an association between the user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123 and a secret code used to generate the dynamic key. The stored association may also indicate the user-selected password and other pertinent data.

Responsive to the user-selections,user interface server131 transfers configuration data overaccess network110 to user communication device102. The configuration data indicates identification signals for user-selected WiFi network access systems121-123. The configuration data also indicates the password, secret code, dynamic key instructions, and perhaps other data. Note thatuser interface server131 may also transfer the configuration data to other user-selected communication devices.

User-selectedWiFi access system122 transmits its wireless identification signal, and eventually, user communication device102 detects this identification signal fromWiFi access system122. Based on the configuration data and the ID signal, user communication device102 prompts the user for a password. The user provides their selected password to user communication device102, and device102 transfers an access request toWiFi access system122 using the user-selected password.

In this example, user communication device102 uses the password for verification, and if the user-supplied password matches the password from the configuration data, then device102 generates and transfers a dynamic access key to user-selectedWiFi access system122. In this example, the dynamic key is a mathematical hash between the secret code from the configuration data and dynamically changing network data. For example, the secret code could be mathematically combined with the current time-of-day to generate the dynamic access key.

WiFi access system122 transfers the access request including the dynamic access key toauthorization server132.Authorization server132 processes the access request and the stored association (the secret code) to generate the dynamic access key in a similar manner to device102. If the two dynamic access keys correlate, then the access request should be granted. Note that the correlation may not require a strict match. For example, if time of day is used for the dynamic key, then two keys generated around the same time would have a detectable mathematical relationship and would correlate. Various other dynamic key techniques could be used in a similar manner.

Authorization server132 then transfers a positive response to WiFinetwork access system122. Based on the positive response, WiFinetwork access system122 provides user communication device102 and the user with WiFi network access to some other data system, such as the Internet (not shown).

FIG. 6 illustratescommunication device display600 that renders a geographic map for a user to select WiFi network access systems601-604 and specify passwords. For clarity, the geographic map is depicted by a simple grid onFIG. 6. Note that navigation controls would be provided on the map, but they are not depicted for clarity. In this example, the user has selected WiFi access systems602-603 as indicated by the frame around systems602-603. Text boxes are associated with the selected WiFi access systems602-603 and provide a mechanism for the user to specify passwords, user names, user devices, security settings, and the like. The text boxes also provide access system information, such as SSIDs, location, and possibly other data.

FIG. 7 illustrates LTE/WiFi communication system700 to provide user control over access toWiFi network720 having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems721-724. LTE/WiFi communication system700 comprises user communication devices701-703,wireless LTE network710,WiFi network720, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)717, andIP networks718.Wireless LTE network710 includeseNodeB711, servinggateway712, Packet Data Network (PDN)gateway713, Mobility Management Entity (MME)714, Home Subscriber Server (HSS)715, and Policy Charging and Rules Function (PCRF)716.

Wireless LTE network710 also includesserver system730 that comprisesuser interface server731 andauthorization server732.User interface server731 andauthorization server732 operate like servers131-132 described above. Note that theauthorization server732 is hosted by or integrated withinHSS715. In a like manner,wireless LTE network710 operates likeaccess network110 described above. Thus,wireless LTE network710 transfers the display data, receives user-selections, transfers configuration data, and provides WiFi authorization as described above.

For example, the user may operate one of communication devices701-703 to accessuser interface server731 and select WiFi access systems721-722 and724, a user name, a password, user devices701-703, timeframes, and the like. When one of the selected user communication devices701-703 is proximate to one of the selected WiFi access systems721-722 and724, then the user device will interact with the proximate WiFi access system as described above. The proximate WiFi access system will transfer access requests toauthorization server732 inHSS715—typically through various proxies and interfaces.Authorization server732 inHSS715 transfers positive responses as described above.

FIG. 8 illustratesWiFi communication system800 to provide user control over access toWiFi network820 having geographically-distributed WiFi access systems821-824.WiFi communication system800 comprises user communication devices801-803,IP access network810,IP networks818, andserver system830.Server system830 resides in the core of a nationwide wireless communication network.

Server system830 comprisesuser interface server831 andauthorization server832.User interface server831 andauthorization server832 and operate like servers131-132 described above. Thus,server system830 transfers the display data, receives user-selections, transfers configuration data, and provides WiFi authorization as described above.

For example, the user may operate one of communication devices801-803 to accessuser interface server831 and select WiFi access systems821-822 and824, a user name, a password, user devices801-803, timeframes, and the like. When one of the selected user communication devices801-803 is proximate to one of the selected WiFi access systems821-822 and824, then the user device will interact with the proximate WiFi access system as described above. The proximate WiFi access system will transfer access requests toauthorization server832.Authorization server832 transfers positive responses as described above.

In other examples, portions of the server systems described herein could be integrated into the authorization systems of other networks. For example, the AAA system in a 2G or 3G network could host the user interface server and/or the authorization servers described herein.

FIG. 9 illustratesserver system900 to provide user control over access to WiFi networks.Server system900 is an example of theserver system130, althoughsystem130 may use alternative configurations and operations.Server system900 comprisescommunication transceivers901 andprocessing system903.Processing system903 comprisesmicro-processing circuitry911 andmemory912.Memory912stores software913.Server system900 may be integrated into a single platform or may be distributed across multiple diverse computer and communication systems. Some conventional aspects ofserver system900 are omitted for clarity, such as power supplies, enclosures, and the like.

Communication transceivers901 comprise communication components, such as ports, circuitry, memory, software, and the like.Communication transceivers901 typically utilize Ethernet, Internet, or some other networking protocol—including combinations thereof.

Micro-processor circuitry911 comprises circuit boards that hold integrated circuitry and associated electronics.Memory912 comprises non-transitory, computer-readable, data storage media, such as flash drives, disc drives, and the like.Software913 comprises computer-readable instructions that control the operation ofmicro-processor circuitry911 when executed.Software913 includes modules921-923 and may also include operating systems, applications, utilities, databases, and the like.Micro-processor circuitry911 andmemory912 may be integrated into a single computer system or may be distributed across multiple computer systems.

When executed bycircuitry911,user module921 directscircuitry911 to interact with user devices to enable the user to select access systems, passwords, and the like.User module921 also directscircuitry911 to transfer configuration data in some examples. When executed bycircuitry911,database module922 directscircuitry911 to stores the associations as described above. When executed bycircuitry911,authorization module923 directscircuitry911 to provide positive or negative responses to WiFi access requests based on the stored associations.

FIG. 10 illustrateswireless communication device1000 to provide user control over access to WiFi networks.Wireless communication device1000 is an example of user communication devices101-103, although devices101-103 may use alternative configurations and operations.Wireless communication device1000 comprisesaccess network transceiver1001,network transceiver1002,processing system1003, anduser interface1004.Processing system1003 comprisesmicro-processing circuitry1011 andmemory1012.Memory1012stores software1013. Some conventional aspects ofwireless communication device1000 are omitted for clarity, such as power supplies, enclosures, and the like.Wireless communication device1000 may be integrated into other systems or devices.

Access network transceiver1001 andWiFi transceiver1002 each comprise communication components, such as circuitry, memory, software, antennas, amplifiers, filters, modulators, signal processors, and the like. In some examples, the radio communications include multiple transceiver sub-systems for near-field, local network, and wide-area network data communications.Access network transceiver1001 exchanges user data and configuration data as described above.WiFi network transceiver1002 detects WiFi identification signals, transfers WiFi access requests, and provides WiFi network access.

User interface1004 includes components to interact with a human operator, such as a touch display, speaker, microphone, camera, buttons, and switches.User interface1004 displays maps, text boxes, user prompts and the like. Typically, a touch display inuser interface1004 receives the user instructions that trigger the actions described herein.

Micro-processor circuitry1011 comprises one or more circuit boards that hold integrated circuit chips and associated electronics.Memory1012 comprises non-transitory data storage media, such as flash drives, disc drives, and the like.Software1013 comprises computer-readable instructions that control the operation ofmicro-processor circuitry1011 when executed.Software1013 includes modules1021-1023 and may also include additional operating systems, applications, utilities, databases, and the like.

When executed bycircuitry1011,display module1021 directscircuitry1011 to display maps, text boxes, and the like to receive user selections. When executed bycircuitry1011, configuration module1022direct circuitry1011 to receive and store configuration data as described herein. When executed bycircuitry1011,WiFi module1023 directscircuitry1011 to prompt for passwords and transfer access requests as described herein.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of the invention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:

1. A method of operating a wireless communication device to control access to a geographically-distributed Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network that has multiple WiFi access systems, the method comprising:

graphically presenting WiFi network data comprising a geographic map showing the multiple WiFi access systems wherein responsive to the graphical presentation, a user selects the wireless communication device, a single user-selected network name, a single user-selected password, and only some of the multiple WIFI access systems wherein the user does not select all of the multiple WIFI access systems;

receiving the user selections of the multiple user-selected WiFi access systems, the wireless communication device, the single user-selected network name, and the single user-selected password;

wirelessly receiving at least one access key for the multiple user-selected WiFi access systems;

wirelessly detecting one of the multiple user-selected WiFi access systems and responsively graphically presenting the single user-selected network name and a password prompt to receive the single user-selected password wherein the single user-selected network name and the password prompt are not graphically presented when the unselected WiFi access systems are detected; and

receiving the single user-selected password, and in response, wirelessly transferring the access key and an identifier for the wireless communication device to the detected one of the multiple user-selected WiFi access systems, and in response, wirelessly exchanging user data over the detected one of the multiple user-selected WiFi access systems after the detected one of the user-selected WiFi access systems authorizes the access key and the identifier for the wireless communication device.

2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising graphically presenting location names for the multiple WiFi access systems on the geographic map.

3. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising graphically presenting Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) for the multiple WiFi access systems on the geographic map.

4. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising graphically presenting service capabilities for the multiple WiFi access systems on the geographic map.

5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the wireless communication device has a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication interface.

6. A wireless communication device to control access to a geographically-distributed Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) network that has multiple WiFi access systems, the wireless communication device comprising:

a User Interface (UI) configured to graphically present WiFi data comprising a geographic map showing the multiple WiFi access systems to responsively receive user selections of the wireless communication device, a single user-selected network name, a single user-selected password, and only some of the multiple WIFI access systems wherein the user does not select all of the multiple WIFI access systems;

a communication interface configured to wirelessly receive at least one access key for the multiple user-selected WiFi access systems and to wirelessly detect the multiple user-selected WiFi access systems; and

a processing system configured, in response to a detection of one of the user-selected WiFi access systems, to direct the UI to graphically present the network name and a password prompt for the single user-selected password, receive the single user-selected password through the UI, and in response to receiving the single user-selected password, direct the communication interface to wirelessly transfer the access key and an identifier for the wireless communication device to the detected one of the user-selected WiFi access systems, and direct the communication interface to wirelessly exchange user data over the detected one of the user-selected WiFi access systems after the detected one of the user-selected WiFi access system authorizes the access key and the identifier for the wireless communication device, wherein the processing system is configured to not graphically present the single user-selected network name and the password prompt when the unselected WiFi access systems are detected.

7. The wireless communication device ofclaim 6 wherein the UI is configured to graphically present location names for the multiple WiFi access systems on the geographic map.

8. The wireless communication device ofclaim 6 wherein the UI is configured to graphically present Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) for the multiple WiFi access systems on the geographic map.

9. The wireless communication device ofclaim 6 wherein the UI is configured to graphically present service capabilities for the multiple WiFi access systems on the geographic map.

10. The wireless communication device ofclaim 6 wherein the communication interface comprises a Long Term Evolution (LTE) interface.

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